Scarpetta Review

Once again Cornwell has remained with her new style of writing in the third person. I find that her new style makes Scarpetta seem more detached. I can understand the desire to show what is happening outside of her view to the readers, but I still prefer Scarpetta being written in first person.

There is also a large loose end from the last book that is treated, with a strange detatchment. I started this book wondering if I misread the ending of the last one; When it was addressed, it seems as though it was dealt with in odd ways and not totally to my liking.

The depth of the antagonists was not so grand this time. I knew well ahead who was doing what and where the fingers needed to pointed.

 I love Cornwell's books, particularly the Scarpetta ones. However, the last two releases have felt less like stories born of inspiration from an artistic brain and more born of perspiration from an overworked brain.

I'd rate it 2.5 If I could. It's not a horrible book, but the character development seems strange and even a little forced at times. If you can move beyond that it does have some interesting plot threads involving media, perception and human psychology.